Description
This Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe features succulent boneless chicken thighs cooked in a savory and sweet honey garlic sauce. The chicken is first browned to develop rich flavors, then simmered in a luscious sauce made from honey, soy sauce, garlic, and onions. Garnished with fresh cilantro, this dish delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and umami in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 8 (5 ounce) boneless chicken thighs
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, or as needed
Sauce
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped
- 7 cloves garlic, chopped (or to taste)
- 1 cup honey
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 1 pinch onion powder, or to taste
- 1 pinch garlic powder, or to taste
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Season the boneless chicken thighs on both sides with salt and ground black pepper according to your taste. Set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs and brown them on one side for about 3 to 5 minutes, allowing a golden crust to form.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Flip the chicken thighs over. Immediately add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is almost cooked through and the onion and garlic are softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken thighs to a plate.
- Make the Sauce: Add honey, soy sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder to the skillet. Stir well and scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to incorporate the sautéed garlic and onion into the sauce.
- Simmer the Chicken: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for about 10 more minutes, turning the thighs once halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish & Serve: Arrange the cooked chicken thighs onto a serving plate. Drizzle with the pan sauce and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro just before serving for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Use a cast iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan to achieve a nice sear on the chicken.
- Adjust the amount of garlic according to your taste for more or less pungency.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safety and juiciness.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro just before serving to maintain its bright flavor.
- Serve with rice or steamed vegetables to enjoy a complete meal.
